View Full Version : No volatage to outlets and lights
charles1962
Apr 14, 2008, 03:45 PM
I was trying to find a breaker to a circuit and took the switch wires and touch them together it cause the lights to go off,but the breaker did not trip and now I can't get the lights back on also the main breaker was arcing as I turn it on and off
ballengerb1
Apr 14, 2008, 03:49 PM
Are you sure that the wires are not still in contact with each other or part of the box? It sounds like you still have a dead short. Did you mean to say main breaker is arcing or just the breaker for the line you were working on?
stanfortyman
Apr 14, 2008, 05:08 PM
but the breaker did not trip and now i can't get the lights back on also the main breaker was arcing as i turn it on and offCALL AN ELECTRICIAN right away!
This just became a pro-only situation. Replacing a main breaker is NOT a DIY job.
It is actually likely that the panel will need to be replaced since the buss is likely burned.
stanfortyman
Apr 14, 2008, 05:11 PM
BTW - who told you it was OK to short out wires to find a breaker?? We don't do this any more.
If you want to continue in this trade and look like a pro I'd lose that practice right away!